Niki de Saint Phalle. Loch Ness Monster

Discover works from the MAMAC collection on the Promenade du Paillon in Nice

Niki de Saint Phalle, Monstre du Loch Ness, 1993

Alongside the ‘Nanas’, animals and the world of fairy tales and myths occupy an important place in Niki de Saint Phalle‘s work. Thus, the artist creates monumental sculptures where snakes, birds and imaginary creatures coexist, as here with the Monstre du Loch Ness.

The work reflects the artist’s persistent rage and concern, which characterize her entire work, in response, for example, to the violence inflicted by humans on other species. With a desire to raise awareness and protect animals, in 1985 she began a series of works entitled “Wounded Animals,” which includes the Loch Ness Monster. Committed to the animal cause, the artist denounces the hunting and slaughter of wildlife. She has extended this struggle also to the effects of climate change.

Loch Ness Monster entered the MAMAC collection in 2001. A year before his death in 2002, the artist made an exceptional donation to the museum. The MAMAC now owns one of the world’s three leading collections of works by the Franco-American artist.

In the history of art, Niki de Saint Phalle is an exception. Few female artists enjoy such recognition among the public. She made a name for herself and carved out a destiny of her own through her freedom of expression, her iconoclastic gestures and her extravagant projects.
[MAMAC]